KOHIMA — A capacity building training on social behavioural change, communication, water and sanitation for WATSAN members, field test kit (FTK) users and Swachhagrahis was held in Langzanger village and Thangthure village in Kiphire district.
A press release from PHED stated that Longtili C Sangtam, chairman of Akehda Amulung (implementing support agency) has highlighted about Swachhagrahis, who are also known as 'foot soldiers' whose duties are to implement community approaches to sanitation (CAS) at the village levels.
[bsa_pro_ad_space id=1]He has described them as ambassadors for cleanliness and motivators to bring about safe sanitation practices. In this regard, he advised them to propagate the message of cleanliness in their villages.
Stating that Swachhagrahis would act as facilitators between the villages and the PHED, he said that Swachhagrahis or cleanliness agent also comes under the directive of ministry of drinking water and sanitation.
Limatemsu, district coordinator, spoke on the importance of cleanliness of the environment, cleaning water sources and rain water harvesting, which would benefit the community and also improve the health of its citizens.
He added that open defecation-free (ODF) is one among the missions where the department is taking up the step to improve hygiene in the village level. He also told the WATSAN functionaries to take active part in operation and maintenance of property provided by the department, while he also pointed out that the field testing kits (FTK) are important as it ensures the safety of drinking water and told them to make the best use of it.
The programme was chaired by Tsarila, IEC consultant.